Rookie Rodeo Diaries

A Weekend with Mess Hall at the Georgia Rodeo
By: A Mess Hall Intern

Before last weekend, I had never been to a rodeo. I’d seen pictures, maybe a few clips online, but I had no idea what to expect from the 2025 Georgia Rodeo, other than that it would be loud, dusty, and full of cowboy energy. Spoiler alert: it was all of that and more...and it might’ve just become my new favorite kind of weekend.

I was there repping Mess Hall with an amazing, festival experienced team, and from day one, it was go-time. We kicked things off Thursday by setting up the booth and getting a feel for the space and the other vendors. Our setup was packed with all the classics: trucker hats, ropes, patches, pins, and buttons. On Friday, we arrived early to check in on everything, only to find out it had rained the night before. So, first order of business: cleaning up the booth and getting it back in tip top shape. After that, it was rodeo time. 🏇

Once the dust settled (literally), the whole vibe shifted over to music mode. We got to sell hats and patches while catching live sets from some incredible artists, like Maggie Antone (who even made her own Mess Hall hat!), Zach Top, and the Red Clay Strays. The crowd was absolutely electric! It felt like the perfect blend of southern charm, wild western spirit, and modern style. So basically, Mess Hall heaven!

A few takeaways from a rodeo rookie:

1. Everyone's got a hat…I mean everyone!!
   Some were handed down, some were beat-up and sun-faded, and some were brand new from our booth (hi, if you saw us!). But every hat told a story. That’s when it clicked: this wasn’t just about utility. It was about identity, attitude, and being part of the moment.
   

2. Cowboys are cool.
   Not just in the rhinestone, TikTok-trend way. These folks were the real deal. I watched bull riders, bareback riders, and saddle bronc cowboys do things that made my jaw drop. It was wild, thrilling, and fun to watch. One bull rider even let me put glitter in his mustache, which tells you everything you need to know about the vibe, and that no one is too tough for a little sparkle!
   
   

3. Rodeo style is a thing.
   Fringe, flare, vintage denim, boots that have definitely seen some things, this crowd showed up ready to be seen. It felt like I was walking through a living Pinterest board. I definitely left with some outfit inspo (and a renewed love for bolo ties).

Best Moment? Watching the sun dip behind the trees while people danced, laughed, and lined up for fresh lemonade and (probably overpriced) corn dogs in the dusty golden light was pure magic. That’s when it really hit me: this is what Mess Hall is all about. People coming together, showing off their individuality, and not taking themselves too seriously.

So yeah, this was my first rodeo, and hopefully not my last. If you’ve never been, go! Bring your best hat (or grab one of ours on the way). And get ready for one hell of a ride!